Careers

Wichita State University Foundation and Alumni Engagement (WSUFAE) is looking to hire a talented, dynamic, dedicated, and self-motivated individual as the Assistant/Associate Director of Development with our fundraising team. As the Associate Director of Development for KMUW, College of Engineering, and College of Health Professions, you will play a pivotal role in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding prospective major gift donors. Your efforts will directly support the mission and vision of Wichita State University, helping to shape the future of education and innovation.

The job duties for this position include:

• Identification and Prospective Donors: Collaborate with the Data Sciences team to identify, qualify, and prioritize potential leadership and major gift donors. Develop and maintain a pipeline of prospective donors through research, networking, and outreach. Collaborate with the AVP of Development and other senior leadership to create and execute strategies for donor identification.
• Cultivation and Solicitation: Build and maintain meaningful relationships with leadership and major gift prospects through personalized outreach, meetings, and events. Develop tailored cultivation and solicitation strategies for each donor based on their interests and capacity to give. Work with the marketing and communications team to prepare and deliver compelling proposals to prospective donors. Lead or assist in the coordination of leadership and major gift solicitation efforts, ensuring that appropriate steps are taken in the donor journey.
• Stewardship: Ensure timely and effective stewardship of leadership and major donors through personalized communication, updates, and recognition. Develop and execute stewardship plans for leadership and major gift donors, ensuring that they are informed and engaged with the organization’s impact and progress. Coordinate with the Donor Engagement team on donor recognition and events to enhance donor satisfaction and loyalty.
• Collaboration and Reporting: Collaborate with development team members, board members, and volunteers to leverage relationships and increase support for the organization. Track and report on fundraising progress, donor activity, and campaign outcomes into the database as well as with the development team and others as needed. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in the donor database system.
• Event and Outreach: Assist in planning and execution of cultivation and stewardship events, donor recognition activities, and other major gift initiatives. Attend donor meetings, events, and functions to represent the organization and strengthen donor relationships.
• College/School/Department Relationship Manager: Be a liaison between assigned college(s)/departments and WSUFAE by coordinating prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship with the college dean(s) and KMUW leadership. Develop annual fundraising goals and objectives in conjunction with college dean(s) and KMUW leadership.
• Administrative Duties: Develop and manage an annual budget for fund-raising activities and professional development. Maintain accurate and confidential files via computer and paper as necessary. Perform any other duties as assigned

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution required
• One to three years of major gifts experience
• Must be willing to travel with occasional weekend and evening work

• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and insurance

• Project professional image at all times
• Commitment to the WSUFAE core values of Integrity, Service, Excellence and Collaboration

Skills

• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills

• Highly motivated and ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team
• Maintain confidentiality of information, records, and materials

Apply Today

Wichita State University Foundation and Alumni Engagement (WSUFAE) is looking to hire a talented, dynamic, dedicated, and self-motivated individual as the Director of Corporate Development with our fundraising team. As the Director of Corporate Development, you will play a pivotal role in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding prospective corporate entities. Your efforts will directly support the mission and vision of Wichita State University, helping to shape the future of education and innovation.

The job duties for this position include:

1. Corporate Partnership Development:

• Collaborate with the Data Sciences team to identify, qualify, and prioritize potential corporate partners.
• Develop and maintain a pipeline of prospective corporate partners through research, networking, and outreach.
• Collaborate with the VP of Principal Giving and other senior leadership to create and execute strategies for donor identification.

2. Cultivation and Solicitation:

• Manage and grow a portfolio of corporations to achieve giving goals.
• Develop and implement personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for corporate prospects.
• Collaborate with the marketing and communications team to create high-quality communication with corporate partners through customized proposal, presentation, and engagement activities.
• Build and maintain meaningful relationships with corporate prospects through personalized outreach, meetings, and events.
• Develop tailored cultivation and solicitation strategies for each corporate prospect based on their interests and capacity to give.
• Lead or assist in the coordination of corporate partner solicitation efforts, ensuring that appropriate steps are taken in the donor journey.

3. Gift Solicitation and Closing:

• Actively work towards meeting established annual targets and objectives, collaborating with team members to ensure cohesive efforts.
• Develop and execute strategies to secure financial support in alignment with both personal, team, and WSUFAE’s fundraising goals.
• Lead the solicitation of corporate partners in your portfolio and close contributions that support WSU’s priorities.

4. Stewardship and Engagement:

• Increase donor engagement and commitment with corporate partners.
• Ensure timely and effective stewardship of corporate partners through personalized communication, updates, and recognition.
• Coordinate with donor engagement team on special one-time donor recognition events.
• Attend donor meetings, events, and functions to represent the organization and strengthen donor relationships.

5. Administrative Duties:

• Develop and manage an annual budget for fundraising activities and professional development.
• Develop annual fundraising goals and objectives in conjunction with WSUFAE’s goals.
• Maintain accurate computer and paper files as necessary.
• Perform any other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from accredited institution

• Three years or more development experience or Major Gift ($50,000 or more) experience
• Strong understanding of corporate needs in areas such as workforce development, innovation, and research

• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and credibility with high-net-worth individuals and institutional leaders.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities and meet challenging and changing deadlines and to develop and execute sophisticated strategies for securing transformational gifts.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to use data to inform decision-making.
• Must be willing to travel with occasional weekend and evening work

• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and insurance

• Project professional image at all times
• Commitment to the WSUFAE core values of Integrity, Service, Excellence and Collaboration

Required Skills

• Highly motivated and ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with a focus on collaboration and professional development.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• High degree of professionalism, ethical sensitivity, and discretion; ability to maintain a commitment to confidentiality; good judgment and proven responsible decision-making skills.
• Ability to lead groups and projects as well as function as part of a collaborative team.
• Enthusiasm for WSUFAE’s mission and values, with a deep commitment to advancing its priorities through philanthropy.

Apply Today

Whether you are just starting your career or are an experienced professional, we invite you to submit your resume for future opportunities with us.

Position Overview: This job posting serves as a general application for individuals interested in future roles across various departments and teams within WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement. While we may not have a specific position that fits what you are looking for at this moment, we are continuously growing and always looking for new team members who bring unique skills and perspectives.

If you are interested in being considered for any future opportunities, please submit your resume and indicate your areas of interest and expertise. We will keep your information on file and contact you when a relevant position becomes available.

Who Should Apply: We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and with a variety of skill sets. Ideal applicants should possess:

• A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• A passion for education and giving back
• A desire to contribute to a positive work culture

How to Apply: Please submit your resume along with a brief cover letter outlining your skills, areas of interest, and why you would be a great fit for our team. Be sure to include any relevant experience, certifications, or projects that demonstrate your qualifications.

WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement is an equal opportunity employer and strives to provide a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

We look forward to reviewing your application and exploring how you can contribute to our future success!

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